Job Vacancies at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian program aims to provide assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Northeast Nigeria. With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, EU, and ECHO the humanitarian programs engage in several interventions including but not limited to food assistance, non-food items (NFI), protection, livelihoods, cash transfers, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors. Mercy Corps is scaling-up and expanding its humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria to reach more beneficiaries with additional assistance in a wider geographic area.

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER - GENDER AND PROTECTION

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Gender and Protection Senior Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Protection sector activities including the mobilization of women’s groups, training on topics such as psychological first aid, and sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), and the validation of referral pathways in three (3) states in Northeast Nigeria (Gombe, Adamawa and Borno).
The Senior Program Officer will also advise other sector teams on gender and protection mainstreaming and best practices.
The Gender and Protection Senior Program Officer will work closely with the Team Leader, Head of Office, and support staff (including finance, operations, and administration) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
The position includes the daily management of program staff. The Gender and Protection Senior Program Officer reports directly to the Team Leader and will work closely with the I-SING Programme Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Strategy and Vision:
Recognize opportunities to evolve the current humanitarian portfolio into a more effective and impactful portfolio addressing the changing needs of conflict-affected populations.
Contribute to country-wide strategy development.
Representation and Coordination:

Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with communities, local authorities and other stakeholders.
Ensure effective coordination with relevant working groups, UN, ICRC and colleagues I/NGO agencies.
Program Management:

Oversee the implementation of protection sector activities and administration of the teams across three field locations;
Develop activity workplans and manage day-to-day activity implementation;
Ensure that program implementation is responsive to community needs, meets targets, and is carried out in line with best practices;
Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to vulnerability criteria;
Establish and maintain effective program reporting, and monitoring and evaluation systems (to track, analyze and report on results) for both internal and external use;
Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate;
Ensure program filing system is in place, adheres to internal and donor regulation and filing is regularly maintained;
Adhere to all MC policies related to security, operations and transport/ logistics information related to programming.
Team Management:

Supervise, hire and orient team members, as necessary;
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence;
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews;
Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives;
Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Identify any gaps or capacity needs within the team and ensure training and capacity building is incorporated into program planning.
Finance & Compliance Management:

Ensure compliance with all donor and Mercy Corps regulations;
Oversee the protection sector activity budgets and project monthly cash flow.
Security:

Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership;
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
Other:

Promote portfolio-wide adherence to Gender Minimum Standards.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility: Program Officers and Program Assistants
Reports Directly To: Team Leader
Works Directly With: Head of Office, MEL, Finance, Program and Operation teams

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
MA/MS/MBA in relevant field required.
Minimum 4-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in economic recovery.
Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
Ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.
Success Factors:

Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential.
Understanding of humanitarian principles and their application to program implementation is required.
Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
Must be able to problem solve and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues.

PROGRAM OFFICER - CASH FOR WORK

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Cash for Work (CFW) Program Officer is responsible for assisting in the implementation of CFW activities in the intervention communities of southern Borno and Gombe States.
With support from the Livelihoods Manager, s/he will supervise all projects, project selection and planning, project assets, local government and community liaison work, monitoring and payment.
The Cash for Work Program Officer will report to the Livelihoods Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff. S/He may also support other livelihood sector interventions including unconditional cash transfers, livelihood grants and VSLAs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Plan and ensure the effective implementation of CFW.
Coordinate all CFW activities, including area selection, community capacity, coordination.
Review labor and time-line requirements for CFW activities, determining staffing requirements.
Coordinate payment procedures, including documentation, approval and actual payment.
Oversee procurement of all materials for CFW projects.
Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, security threats to MC staff and activities.  Coordinate with MC Security Officer and Livelihoods Manager on any threats to MC staff and activities; follow up on incidents/security threats in areas of operation.
Complete any required monitoring as outlined by the Livelihoods Manager.
Ensure complete Mercy Corps orientation for all new staff.
Maintain all documentation relating directly to CFW activities required to ensure accountability to the donor, particularly where labor is concerned.
Oversee administrative matters relating directly to CFW activities:  time-sheets, payment schedules, required paper-work, and liaison with finance department.
Work with the Livelihoods Manager to prepare monthly cash requirement forecast for CFW activities, including the purchase of materials at site and CFW labor payments.
Provide information on CFW activities as requested by the Team Leader, Livelihoods Manager or MEL team.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
BA/S in relevant field required;
3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general program management experience required.
Prior experience implementing distributions is required, preferably in a non-camp setting. Experience with CFW or other community micro-projects strongly preferred.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
Ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors
The successful candidate will have a can-do attitude. Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts.
S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn.

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER - FOOD AND NFI

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Food and NFI Senior Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of food security and shelter/NFI sector interventions including e-voucher programming and nutritional awareness activities in two (2) states in Northeast Nigeria (Gombe and Borno).
The Senior Program Officer will work closely with the Team Leader, Head of Office, and support staff (including finance, operations, and administration) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
The position includes the daily management of program staff. The Food and NFI Senior Program Officer reports directly to the Team Leader and will work closely with the Nutrition & Hygiene Officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Strategy and Vision:
Recognize opportunities to evolve the current humanitarian portfolio into a more effective and impactful portfolio addressing the changing needs of conflict-affected populations.
Contribute to country-wide strategy development.

Representation and Coordination:
Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with communities, local authorities and other stakeholders.
Ensure effective coordination with relevant working groups, UN, ICRC and colleagues I/NGO agencies.

Program Management:
Oversee the implementation of protection sector activities and administration of the teams across three field locations;
Develop activity workplans and manage day-to-day activity implementation;
Ensure that program implementation is responsive to community needs, meets targets, and is carried out in line with best practices;
Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to vulnerability criteria;
Establish and maintain effective program reporting, and monitoring and evaluation systems (to track, analyze and report on results) for both internal and external use;
Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate;
Ensure program filing system is in place, adheres to internal and donor regulation and filing is regularly maintained;
Adhere to all MC policies related to security, operations and transport/ logistics information related to programming.

Team Management:
Supervise, hire and orient team members, as necessary;
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence;
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews;
Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives;
Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Identify any gaps or capacity needs within the team and ensure training and capacity building is incorporated into program planning.
Finance & Compliance Management:

Ensure compliance with all donor and Mercy Corps regulations;
Oversee the food security and NFI sector activity budgets and project monthly cash flow.
Security:

Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership;
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Other:
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
MA/MS/MBA in relevant field required.
Minimum 4-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in economic recovery.
Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
Ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.
Success Factors

Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential.
Understanding of humanitarian principles and their application to program implementation is required. Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
Must be able to problem solve and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues.

PROGRAM OFFICER - VILLAGE SAVINGS & LOANS ASSOCIATION (VSLA)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The VSLA Program Officer will be responsible for assisting in the formation and oversight of village savings and loans associations (VSLAs) in the intervention communities within southern Borno and Gombe States.
With support from the Livelihoods Manager, s/he will be responsible for establishing new VSLAs, as well as assessing the capacity of existing VSLAs including their training needs and propose actions to build their management capacities.
The Program Officer will report to the Livelihoods Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff.
S/He will also contribute significant time to other planned interventions including cash transfers, livelihood grants, and cash for work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Work closely with the Livelihoods Manager and other team members in planning and implementation of financial access components of the projects according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
Identify the capacity gaps of VSLAs, design and implement most feasible capacity building activities based on identified gaps.
Provide continuous support and oversee activities of the local financial institutions identified for capacity building support.
Prepare periodic work plans and progress reports.
Maintain proper filling system as needed.
Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, security threats to MC staff and activities.  Coordinate with MC Security Officer and Livelihoods Manager on any threats to MC staff and activities; follow up on incidents/security threats in areas of operation.
Contribute to effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other program staff.
Adhere to all MC policies and procedures;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
BA/BSc in relevant field required;
3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general program management experience required.
Solid experience in mobilization and organization of saving and lending groups.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
Ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors
The successful candidate will have a can-do attitude. Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts.
S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn.

PROGRAM OFFICER - CASH TRANSFER

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Cash Transfer Program Officer will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of unconditional cash transfer and livelihood grant activities in the intervention communities (either S. Borno or Adamawa). With support from the Livelihoods Manager, s/he will plan and supervise all phases of activities including beneficiary registration, distribution, monitoring and reconciliation.
The Cash Transfer Program Officer will report to the Livelihoods Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff. S/He may also support other livelihood sector interventions including cash for work and VSLAs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Plan and ensure the effective implementation of cash transfer program activities (unconditional cash and livelihood grants).
Contribute to all field work, including community mobilization, beneficiary identification/registration, distributions, and monitoring.
Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria.
Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, and security threats to MC staff and activities.  Coordinate with MC Security Officer and Livelihoods Manager on any threats to MC staff and activities; follow up on incidents/security threats in areas of operation.
Maintain all documentation relating directly to cash transfer activities required to ensure accountability.
Oversee administrative matters relating directly to cash transfer activities including reconciliation with cash-out agents following distributions.
Contribute to effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other program staff.
Work with the Livelihoods Manager to prepare monthly cash requirement forecast for cash transfer activities.
Provide information on cash transfer program activities as requested by the Team Leader, Livelihoods Manager or MEL team.
Adhere to all MC policies and procedures;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
BA/BSc in relevant field required;
3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general program management experience required.
Prior experience implementing distributions is required, preferably in a non-camp setting. Experience with cash distributions strongly preferred.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
Ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors
The successful candidate will have a can-do attitude. Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts.
S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn.

LIVELIHOODS PROGRAM MANAGER

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Livelihoods Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of livelihood sector activities including cash for work (CFW), unconditional cash transfers, livelihood grants, and VSLAs in three (3) states in Northeast Nigeria (Gombe, Adamawa and Borno).
The Program Manager will work closely with the Team Leader, Head of Office, and support staff (including finance, operations, and administration) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
The position includes the daily management of program staff. The Livelihoods Program Manager reports directly to the Team Leader.

TO APPLY
Applicants should submit CVs and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: recruitment.nigeria@ng.mercycorps.org

Note
All applications must include the position title in the subject line and not more than 4 pages.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We are an equal opportunity organization and we strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

DUE DATE: 28 June, 2016